The Importance of Accreditation
Accreditation is an important designation for any health care organization to achieve. It is also the culmination of a rigorous process of audits and reviews by the accrediting agency who may survey the organization onsite as well as virtually. By achieving various accreditations, AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to quality care, improved processes and better patient outcomes. AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy holds several accreditations, and certifications, including URAC and Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).
Understanding Accreditation
Accreditation is a method by which an organization uses third party reviewers to audit its operational processes to ensure they are delivering healthcare in a manner consistent with an established set of standards. Accreditation demonstrates a commitment to quality and ongoing improvement.
“Achieving accreditation validates compliance with the industry’s most rigorous standards, provides a quality framework, and ensures continuous quality improvement,” says Jodi Sibell, RN, director of accreditation and document management at AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy.
AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy currently holds the following accreditations:
• Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) Specialty Pharmacy Services – ACHC Accreditation Programs were created in consultation with industry experts to ensure relevance, value and integrity, and the best in customer service. ACHC surveyors use an educational approach to help organizations enhance the quality of services they provide and improve operational efficiencies.
• Digital Accreditation (VIPPS) for Specialty and Mail Service – This accreditation proudly displays our ongoing commitment to providing quality healthcare and safe pharmacy practices over the internet.
• URAC Specialty and Mail Service Pharmacy Accreditation – URAC is an independent, nonprofit accreditation organization committed to improving the quality of the healthcare industry. They use evidence-based measures and develop standards to promote best practices, encourage quality improvement, and protect and empower consumers.
The Process of Becoming Accredited
To obtain accreditation, pharmacies like AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy may undergo a desktop review of standard operating procedures, as well as an onsite validation review or onsite surveys. However, the accreditation process begins long before the surveyors arrive. Each accrediting agency provides a set of quality standards necessary to achieve accreditation. A committee of experts representing diverse interests in the healthcare community continually develop new standards and guides for organizations to follow.
Using the standards as a guide, organizations prepare internally to make sure its various areas meet or exceed the industry standards set forth by the agency. The accreditation process can take from six months to a year, and accreditation lasts for two to three years, depending on the accrediting body. Once accreditation is achieved, pharmacies must demonstrate ongoing compliance to the standards.
How Patients Benefit from Accreditation
Requirements vary per accreditation agency, but the intent remains the same: to prove the organization’s commitment to meeting accreditation standards results in a higher level of performance and a greater focus on patient care.
“Achieving accreditation supports our purpose to provide hope and care for better tomorrows by upholding quality of care to AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy patients,” says Sibell. “Providing the best possible care for our patients is ultimately why we do this.”
Rick Miller, MSPharm, MBA, BSPharm, CSP, vice president, clinical and professional services, agrees. “Accreditation is important as it demonstrates to our patients, providers, payer and pharma partners that AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy has been evaluated by external organizations and has met the high standards set by accreditation agencies for patient care. A key component to the accreditation process is the commitment by the organization to patient care and employee training and development. At AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy we are focused on continual process improvement and employee training and development to meet or exceed the expectations of our patients and business partners. Accreditation validates that commitment.”
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